Brandon McManus (8) reacts to his missed game-winning field goal attempt against the Houston Texans during the second half of the Texans' 19-17 win at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

Case Keenum (4) of the Denver Broncos gets rid of the ball as J.J. Watt (99) of the Houston Texans just misses a sack during the first half at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2019.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

Devontae Booker (23) of the Denver Broncos scores a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first half at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

Demaryius Thomas (87) of the Houston Texans runs with the ball after his first catch after being traded by the Denver Broncos during the first quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

Deshaun Watson (4) of the Houston Texans throws during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

Demaryius Thomas (87) of the Houston Texans makes his second catch after being traded by the Denver Broncos during the first quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Andy Cross, The Denver Post

Head coach Vance Joseph of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter against the Houston Texans. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Andy Cross, The Denver Post

Jordan Thomas (83) of the Houston Texans catches a touchdown pass while defended by Josey Jewell (47) of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Andy Cross, The Denver Post

Adam Gotsis (99) of the Denver Broncos tackles Lamar Miller (26) of the Houston Texans during the first quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 4, 2018.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

Derek Wolfe (95) of the Denver Broncos sacks Deshaun Watson (4) of the Houston Texans during the first half at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Andy Cross, The Denver Post

Derek Wolfe (95) of the Denver Broncos celebrates sacking Deshaun Watson (4) of the Houston Texans during the first quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Andy Cross, The Denver Post

Courtland Sutton (14) of the Denver Broncos fails to haul in a touchdown catch during the first quarter against the Houston Texans. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Andy Cross, The Denver Post

Courtland Sutton (14) of the Denver Broncos after failing to haul in a touchdown catch during the first quarter against the Houston Texans. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Andy Cross, The Denver Post

Brandon McManus (8) of the Denver Broncos kicks a field goal during the first quarter against the Houston Texans. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Andy Cross, The Denver Post

Deshaun Watson (4) of the Houston Texans evades a tackle during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Andy Cross, The Denver Post

Deshaun Watson (4) of the Houston Texans slides as Will Parks (34) of the Denver Broncos jumps over him during the first quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

Devontae Booker (23) of the Denver Broncos loses the ball as Justin Reid (20) of the Houston Texans and Brandon Dunn (92) make the hit during the first half at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Andy Cross, The Denver Post

Justin Reid (20) of the Houston Texans recovers a fumble during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Eric Lutzens, The Denver Post

Strong safety Justin Reid #20 of the Houston Texans celebrates after the recovery of a fumble by running back Devontae Booker #23 of the Denver Broncos during the second quarter on Sunday, Nov. 4 at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

Deshaun Watson (4) of the Houston Texans drops back as Bradley Chubb (55) of the Denver Broncos defends during the first half at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2019.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post

Lamar Miller (26) of the Houston Texans rushes with the ball while tackled by Todd Davis (51) of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post

Alfred Blue (28) of the Houston Texansstiff arms Todd Davis (51) of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post

Demaryius Thomas (87) of the Houston Texans runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post

Demaryius Thomas (87) of the Houston Texans is tackled by Denver Broncos defenders during the first quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post

Case Keenum (4) of the Denver Broncos throws during the first quarter against the Houston Texans. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post

Adam Jones (24) of the Denver Broncos returns a kick in the first quarter against the Houston Texans The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

Case Keenum (4) of the Denver Broncos throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the first half at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2019.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

Devontae Booker (23) of the Denver Broncos hits the corner as Max Garcia (76) blocks J.J. Watt (99) of the Houston Texans on a touchdown run during the first half at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post

Devontae Booker (23) of the Denver Broncos rushes for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Houston Texans. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

Kareem Jackson (25) of the Houston Texans tackles Phillip Lindsay (30) of the Denver Broncos during the first half at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2019.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

Courtland Sutton (14) of the Denver Broncos runs after the catch as Natrell Jamerson (31) of the Houston Texans pursues during the first half at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

DeAndre Hopkins (10) of the Houston Texans loses the ball after making a catch over Will Parks (34) of the Denver Broncos during the first half at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Sunday, November 4, 2018.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

Devontae Booker (23) of the Denver Broncos loses the ball as Justin Reid (20) of the Houston Texans covers and Brandon Dunn (92) and Kareem Jackson (25) make the tackle during the first half at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

Justin Reid (20) of the Houston Texans celebrates his fumble recovery on a fumble by Devontae Booker (23) of the Denver Broncos as J.J. Watt (99) joins in the fun during the first half at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

Phillip Lindsay (30) of the Denver Broncos runs agains the Houston Texans during the first half at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2019.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post

Bradley Chubb (55) of the Denver Broncos tackles Alfred Blue (28) of the Houston Texans during the second quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

DeAndre Hopkins (10) of the Houston Texans celebrates a touchdown reception against the Denver Broncos with teammates during the first half at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2019.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

Deshaun Watson (4) of the Houston Texans prepares to take the field against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2019.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post

J.J. Watt (99) of the Houston Texans plays catch with a fan before the game against the Denver Broncos. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Eric Lutzens, The Denver Post

Dylan Zoller, age 11, of Gypsum, Colorado plays catch with his brother in front of the stadium prior to the game on Sunday, Nov. 4 at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans.

Eric Lutzens, The Denver Post

Aaron Salas of Rocky Ford, Colorado enjoys the festivities in front of the stadium prior to the game on Sunday, Nov. 4 at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans.

Andy Cross, The Denver Post

A drummer with the Denver Broncos Stampede marches on the south side of the Broncos Stadium at Mile High Nov. 04, 2018. The Denver Broncos honored former Denver Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas, now a Houston Texan, with a large banner on the south side of the stadium.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

Demaryius Thomas (87) of the Houston Texans with teammates in the tunnel before the game against the Denver Broncos. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

Demaryius Thomas (87) of the Houston Texans prepares to take the field for the first time for the Texans after being traded earlier in the week by the host Denver Broncos before the first half at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post

A flyover during the National Anthem before the game between he Denver Broncos and the Houston Texans. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post

Ann Judges rides Thunder the mascot before the game against the Houston Texans. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Andy Cross, The Denver Post

Head coach Vance Joseph of the Denver Broncos on the sidelines during the second quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Andy Cross, The Denver Post

Case Keenum (4) of the Denver Broncos throws right before being tackled by J.J. Watt (99) of the Houston Texans during the second quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Eric Lutzens, The Denver Post

Running back Alfred Blue #28 of the Houston Texans gets wrapped up and taken down by inside linebacker Josey Jewell #47 of the Denver Broncos and defensive end Shelby Harris #96 of the Denver Broncos during the second quarter on Sunday, Nov. 4 at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans.

Andy Cross, The Denver Post

Demaryius Thomas (87) of the Houston Texans signs an autograph for Denver Broncos Betsy Miller before the game. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post

Denver Broncos cheerleaders perform during a stoppage in play against the Houston Texans The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 4, 2018.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post

Phillip Lindsay (30) of the Denver Broncos runs through a hole during the second quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Joe Amon, The Denver Post

Matt Paradis (61) of the Denver Broncos is carted off the field during the second quarter against the Houston Texans. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Eric Lutzens, The Denver Post

Quarterback Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos looks for a receiver with pressure from defensive end J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans during the second quarter on Sunday, Nov. 4 at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans.

Eric Lutzens, The Denver Post

Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas #87 of the Houston Texans talks during a commercial break with outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter on Sunday, Nov. 4 at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans.

Eric Lutzens, The Denver Post

Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans looks for a handoff during the second quarter on Sunday, Nov. 4 at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans.

AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post

Von Miller (58) of the Denver Broncos eyeballs Deshaun Watson (4) of the Houston Texans during the first half at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018.

Eric Lutzens, The Denver Post

Tight end Jordan Thomas #83 of the Houston Texans scores the Texan's first touchdown of the game with pressure from inside linebacker Josey Jewell #47 of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter on Sunday, Nov. 4 at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. The Denver Broncos hosted the Houston Texans.

Broncos’ rookie wide receiver Courtland Sutton made his first NFL start Sunday against the Texans and played a career-high 56 snaps.

There were ups (a 22-yard catch and run) and downs (an illegal blocking penalty the next snap), but the decision to trade Demaryius Thomas to Houston made sense watching Sutton once again flash star potential.

“He made some plays for us,” coach Vance Joseph said Monday. “He got a little tired yesterday. That comes with being the main guy. Playing more downs and playing full speed for 50 plays, that’s tough. He has to get in NFL football shape. When that happens, he’s going to, in my opinion, be a special player. You could see it (Sunday). He can make plays with the ball in his hands. It was fun to watch him do that.”

Sutton finished with three receptions for 57 yards.

“It was awesome to be able to go out there and do that,” Sutton said after the game. “From the team aspect, I wish we would have gotten the win big picture wise.”

Paradis out for season. Broncos’ center Matt Paradis played his 3,850th consecutive career snap Sunday before a devastating injury late in the second quarter. Joseph confirmed Monday that Paradis fractured his fibula and suffered torn ligaments. He will be assigned to injured reserved and is out of the season with surgery ahead.

Paradis will be replaced at center by Connor McGovern, Denver’s former starting right guard, shuffling Eli Wilkinson and Billy Turner into the mix up front.

“You won’t replace Matt’s football IQ or his play,” Joseph said. “But we have to adjust to do what’s best for the players that are going to play in his place.”

VJ mum on O’Brien lip read. Some TMZ-style drama from Sunday? CBS cameras rolled on Texans’ coach Bill O’Brien as Houston left the field for halftime, shortly after a Broncos’ missed 62-yard field goal attempt with 22 seconds on the clock allowed the Texans to get a last-second field goal. An amateur lip-reading makes out O’Brien shouting: “Good job Vance, you dumb (bleep).”

Joseph told reporters that Denver’s communications staff informed him of the widely shared video on social media, but that he had not seen it. Joseph added: “I’m not concerned and focused on that, I’m really not.”

Houston media addressed the alleged diss with O’Brien. He denied those were his words, despite the video evidence, and he said: “I was yelling at someone on our field goal unit. I wouldn’t say that about another head coach.”

A 38-yard catch by Emmanuel Sanders and a 30-yard reception by Courtland Sutton set up Brandon McManus’ 34-yard field goal as time expired Sunday, giving the Broncos a 23-22 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.